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Archive for the ‘T-Splines’ Category

Inspired by the spine of a whale, the Vertebrae Staircase is not simply mimicry of organic form but an exploration in shaping structure. Much of the design work went into refining the single component, or vertebra, that mate with each other creating a unified spine running from floor plate to floor plate. These interlocking vertebrae create a rigid and self-supporting structure.

Chinese calligraphy is mainly based in three characteristics: status of mind, line & color. These tree concepts triggered our original ideas for the Ordos Museum

The inhabiting/space populating logic in Inner Mongolia is grouping. Local herds of camels & horses used to browse the steppe in search for comfort. This comfort was only fulfilled when they would arrive to a DECISSION to settle in the landscape. In the same manner, the always present clouds populate the Inner Mongolian sky: groups of rounded & cotton locking clouds spread at the intense blue sky. Finally, also the original nomads will settle their yurts following a constellation. An primary impression of non-organization is quickly overcome by a self-organized logic. Here, the museum volumes have found their own space in the park. The logics of placement come from many different aspects: orientation, functionality, targeted visuals, public space, creating a unique orchestrated sequence of spaces.

Software used: Designed mainly in Rhino. Using several Plug-ins to define shape, structure and façade patterning. For instance, to define the overall building shape, the architects used T-Splines or to apply the façade construction detailing into the façade the architects used Paneling Tools.

We just received some new images for this project. So, here is the updated project.

If museums are turning into supermarkets, why then should department stores not turn into museums?

“The Galleria Cheonan responds to the current retail climate in Asia, where department stores also operate as social and semi-cultural meeting places. Because of this, the quality of the public spaces within the building was treated as an integral aspect of the design.”, Ben van Berkel

The tower stands at the center of the city’s ambitious regeneration project, Euroméditerranée, located 1km north of the historic center, adjacent to the commercial port.

The site lies 100m back from the sea edge where the elevated motorway viaduct separates as it arrives into the north of the city. At ground level the site is dominated by the sweeping concrete viaducts overhead and the rhythmic colonnades of their supporting columns. It’s dense and noisy but a rich physical context. At high level, the context is the spectacular views over the bay of Marseille, the city and the docks.